From The Past Pages Of Dawn: 1974: Fifty Years Ago: Dignity of labour
There was no issue of the paper on May 2, 1974, on account of the May Day holiday. The excerpt below is taken from the previous day’s edition.
EDITORIAL: The workers of the world are today demonstrating their solidarity in the struggle for social progress and economic justice. Being celebrated as a national holiday for the third time, May Day is beginning to assume an institutional character in Pakistan. … In developing countries like Pakistan, trade union movements and the workers’ awareness of their bargaining power are of recent origin. But when the Pakistani workers do their traditional stock-taking today, they will find that they too have made progress. …
That May Day is now being celebrated under official patronage is indicative of an amiable relationship between the workers and the Government. … Numerous measures have been taken by the present regime to improve labour’s working conditions and secure for them better wages and adequate security of service. … Ultimately, however, much will depend on their level of awareness and the degree of their organisation. In order to improve their lot further … the workers need mature and sincere leaders and activists and unity in their ranks.
Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2024